Crisp pears, soft, rich figs and tender mâche create a great mix of flavors and textures in this elegant salad. A mandoline is helpful for creating uniformly thin apple and pear slices.
Mâche Salad with Figs and Pears
For the vinaigrette:
1/4 cup (2 fl. oz./60 ml) olive oil
2 Tbs. golden balsamic vinegar or champagne vinegar
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. honey
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 lb. (250 g) mâche (about 6 cups)
2 firm but ripe pears, halved, cored and thinly sliced
2 apples, halved, cored and thinly sliced
12 figs, halved lengthwise
1/4 cup (1 1/2 oz./45 g) coarsely chopped toasted hazelnuts
1/4 cup (1 1/2 oz./45 g) crumbled feta
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
To make the vinaigrette, in a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, and salt and pepper to taste.
In a large bowl, combine the mâche, pears, apples, figs and hazelnuts. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with the feta, season with salt and pepper to taste and serve
immediately. Serves 6.
Williams-Sonoma Test Kitchen
